Nest-site characteristics and breeding success of three species of boreal songbirds in western Newfoundland, Canada

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Dalley, Kate L., Taylor, Philip D., Shutler, Dave
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2008
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z08-104; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full-xml/10.1139/Z08-104; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/Z08-104

Delineating habitat requirements and preferences of species is essential for conservation planning. We studied nest habitat use and effects of microsite vegetation characteristics on breeding success of yellow-rumped warblers ( Dendroica coronata (L., 1766)), blackpoll warblers ( Dendroica striata (J.R. Forster, 1772)), and white-throated sparrows ( Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin, 1789)) in an area with a low extent (<6% of available land) of forest harvest in northwestern Newfoundland. During 2004 and 2005, 99 nests were located and monitored, and the characteristics of nest sites measured. Vegetation at yellow-rumped and blackpoll warbler nest sites differed from random sites; however, within used sites, no vegetation characteristics were significantly associated with success. White-throated sparrow nest sites contained more downed wood and less ground vegetation than did random sites; however, successful nests were associated with different variables than those that distinguished them from random sites, including less canopy cover and less woody debris. Thus, whereas yellow-rumped and blackpoll warblers used specific nest-site characteristics and white-throated sparrows had higher nest success associated with certain characteristics, the nest characteristics these birds appeared to choose did not have demonstrable fitness benefits.